Brew Review: Bell’s Expedition Stout

Brewery: Bell’sBrew: Expedition StoutStyle: Russian Imperial StoutABV: 10.5%IBUs: N/ATheir Take: One of the earliest examples of the Russian Imperial Stout in the United States, Expedition Stout offers immensely complex flavors crafted specifically with vintage aging in mind, as its profile will continue to mature and develop over the years. A huge malt body is matched to a heady blend of chocolate, dark fruits, and other aromas. Intensely bitter in its early months, the flavors will slowly meld and grow in depth as the beer ages.

Bell’s Expedition Stout was the first beer of my dark night, along with Weyerbacher Old Heathen and Flying Dog Gonzo Imperial Porter. What a way to kick off the night.

I received this beer in a Sudsy Santa exchange last December. Expedition Stout poured a beautiful, deep, dark black with a rich, tan head. The aroma smelled faintly of chocolate, with a tinge of alcohol, which was really the only mark against this beer for me. It had a heavy and thick mouth feel, giving an interesting illusion, as though the beer were chewable. It was definitely different, bit I wouldn’t have missed it if it weren’t there. The taste was a great roasted, almost burnt flavor with an acidic bitterness similar to coffee. It finished with notes of chocolate, leaving a delicious flavor lingering. It’s a little late in the year now, but if you come across this seasonal offering from Bell’s snag a six pack or two. You won’t regret it.